Children in Kenya are benefiting from money raised by pupils at St Nicolas Primary School in Downderry.

The school formed strong links with Kenyan communities following the visit of three headteachers from schools in the country last May.

After reports of civil unrest in Kenya in February, headteacher Lindsey Fear contacted Igwamiti Primary School to see how the school in Downderry could help because of fears of disease spreading.

Around 150 Kenyan pupils were displaced during the unrest and headteacher of Igwamiti Mr David Ngare said at the time: 'We are overstretched in terms of resources and manpower, however we are struggling on and trying to cope.'

St Nicolas were informed about the shortage of drugs, and students, who write to pupils at Igwamiti, were told about the problems during assemblies and emails were sent to parents.

'It was absolutely incredible because immediately ideas for fundraising and donations started to pour in,' said Mrs Fear.

'We were amazed by the commitment of both children and parents to the fundraising activities, many of which they instigated and ran themselves.'

Committee

More than £500 was raised in under a month and it was decided a committee should be set up in the country to send out resources to the school.

'Being partnered with Igwamati for the last three years has allowed the children of St Nicolas to enhance their global awareness and gain a clear understanding of the school in Kenya and the lives of the children attending it,' said Mrs Fear.

Cake sales, bingo evenings, fairtrade events and bring-and-buy sales are among events held to help raise money for the Cash for Kenya Appeal and by mid-March fundraising topped the £1,000 mark.

Throughout the appeal reports, account records and photos were sent from Igwamiti to show the progress being made and photos of a free medical day spurred on further fundraising enabling the school to send 160 mosquito nets to Igwamati.

More than £1,600 was raised by the summer half-term and fundraising continued to raise money for better toilet facilities to prevent the spread of disease.

Along with donations from local organisations and profits from bigger events going to the Cash for Kenya Appeal, the total amount reached was more than £5,700.